Thanks to my friend Andre for the below.....

Dear Yemi,

As I said the other day I haven’t actually read a book for a long time now (probably nearing 10 years!) but took the draft copy you emailed me to Gran Canaria. I’m just over 70% of the way through (page 217 of 304) and just wanted to tell you that it is an amazing read and I could not put it down! I read at every available moment during the holiday and it even made my music take a backseat which is a huge thing for me. It has re-instilled my passion for reading and I can’t wait to finish it. My only issue is that I didn’t pick it up and read it sooner.

You had it extremely tough growing up and it does make me grateful for my childhood. I am going to buy myself and my girlfriend a copy and have already advised quite a few of my friends to read it. I’ve just had to take a look at Steve Cowley’s copy as the version you sent me was pre-publishing and didn’t have any of the pictures in it.

Once again congratulations on a very informative and well written book. I love the way you interspersed Nigerian history with your own life story it all helped to build up the picture in my mind. You explained your thoughts and feelings very well and I could definitely feel your pain through my reading. When I’ve bought my official copy I would like you to sign it for me if you don’t mind and would also like to have a chat about the book when you are in the office next, if you are not completely bored of doing this.

Also, I would be interested in your suggestions on another book to read when I’ve finished yours, as having not read any books for so long, I’m not sure what to follow this up with to keep my interest.

Thank you!

Andre